Articles by
Amalia Otet
Amalia Otet is an online content developer and creative writer for RENTCafé. She loves all things real estate and strives to live beautifully, one green step at a time.
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Quick DIY fixes to save your security deposit
Unless you absolutely shredded your carpet or completely stained your counter tops bright red, there is no reason you should lose out on having…
5 Gadgets for a hip dorm room
Life away from home can seem frightening at first. Although Los Angeles dorm rooms are nice, with pretty much everything you could ever need during…
What are San Francisco’s greenest buildings?
Wondering where to find the greenest buildings in San Francisco? The city is hosting an international conference on environmentally-friendly construction this fall (Greenbuild San Francisco…
Grow delicious herbs for savory meals at home
How would you feel about growing your own garden? A constant supply of fresh spices to add flavor to your meals, a touch of nature…
5 things no one told you about college apartment life
Along with the keys to your first college apartment comes excitement, trepidation, and a whole bunch of question marks. Whether the unknowns about how things…
Top 5 questions to ask before renting in SF
If you are considering renting an apartment in San Francisco, you’ve probably already got a lot on your mind. The congested rental market, high prices…
Real estate envy in San Francisco
As apartment rental prices reach for the skies in San Francisco, sometimes it’s wise to take a look at how the really filthy rich live,…
Got kids? Find an apartment near great Valley schools
These days the competition for admission to Universities is fierce. Analysts project it will only become more difficult with budget cuts forcing schools to cut…
Design smarter for smaller apartments
Moving to a smaller place, or just want to make your current small apartment seem like it’s gotten a little more spacious? Borrow some tips…
40 percent rental increase? In SF, it’s no joke.
People who are out there contending with San Francisco’s overheated rental market, described by the Wall Street Journal recently as a “chaotic scrum,” are feeling…
Ready for teeny tiny apartments in Philadelphia?
Ready to see the apartment of the future? It’s not going to knock your socks off. They’ll take up most of the spare floor space….
Essential things for your first dorm room
You’re close to your first year in college, your first roommate, and of course, your first dorm room. You have to organize yourself in such…
Be prepared: rental competition is fierce out there
Boost your chances of landing the perfect rental by being well prepared; maybe more so than you think you need. The significantly higher percentage of…
Repurposed stuff can become awesome furniture
I must be the coolest chick on the block if repurposed furniture is the hot trend of the moment. Taking something you already have or…
Transform that bland patio into an outdoor oasis
When living in an apartment, I think we can all agree that the more room, the better! It’s all about making the most of the…
Dress up your L.A. rental in unique style
No one wants to spend money on a rental home. Obviously they won’t cut back on your rent if you enhance the looks of your…
Know your new Phoenix neighborhood: a movers’ guide
Selecting your next apartment can be as simple as finding the lowest lease price, equipped with your standard of features and amenities, in a location…
Three easy steps to a bright, cozy home
The warmer months summon colorful design, lively environments and bright homes. Here are a few tips on how to spruce up your apartment and turn…
Avoid renters regrets: Ask the right questions
When apartment hunting, many of us forget about the day-to-day realities of living in a new apartment complex. Finding the right place is not all…
Mature decorating style on a dorm room budget
Making the transition from being a broke college kid to an adult who is supposed to have their life together is exceedingly awkward. It just…
Fabulous home décor shops for unique finds in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the creative capital of the world and its ingenious character is also reflected in home design trends. The city has plenty of…
First look – how a micro-apartment is organized
The micros are coming! The micros are coming! San Francisco will have some of the city’s first miniature apartment homes on the market later this…
Your Phoenix rental market update
It’s time to face brass tacks. What does that saying mean, anyway? I don’t know but I do know this: renting in Phoenix is getting…
Chicago market tough for renters but good for the economy?
Vacancies are declining and rents are increasing in the Chicago metro area. Is this good news or bad news for apartment dwellers? Well, it depends…
How to Cope With a Moody Roommate
Learn how to read your roommate. I’m not talking about mind reading, just saying that if you’re living with someone, you should try to get…
Chicago suburbs appeal to Gen Y apartment renters
Though big fans of urban dynamics, plurality of entertainment options and variety of cultural experiences, many millennials have recently shifted attention to suburban living. Young…
The future for Philadelphia apartment renters
What does the future hold for you, Philadelphia apartment renter? Whether you have been renting for decades or just signed a lease on your first…
Get your apartment ready for monsoon season
The absolute best part of the entire year is on our horizon. Frankly, it’s the redeeming factor in dealing with our infamously scorching Arizona summers….
It’s time to open up that cave of an apartment
Phoenix apartments are notorious for running on a completely smaller scale than the average home. The ceilings are generally lower, the door frames and hallways…
Downtown LA: Best place to live with a pet?
It would be hard to find any part of LA that doesn’t have pet friendly apartments, but downtown is rumored to be rolling out the…